scholarly journals Life Cycle Assessment of Railway Ground-Borne Noise and Vibration Mitigation Methods Using Geosynthetics, Metamaterials and Ground Improvement

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakdirat Kaewunruen ◽  
Victor Martin
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Ground Improvement ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Vibration Mitigation ◽  
Noise And Vibration ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Extreme Climate ◽  
Mitigation Methods ◽  
The Impact

Significant increase in the demand for freight and passenger transports by trains pushes the railway authorities and train companies to increase the speed, the axle load and the number of train carriages/wagons. All of these actions increase ground-borne noise and vibrations that negatively affect people who work, stay, or reside nearby the railway lines. In order to mitigate these phenomena, many techniques have been developed and studied but there is a serious lack of life-cycle information regarding such the methods in order to make a well-informed and sustainable decision. The aim of this study is to evaluate the life-cycle performance of mitigation methods that can enhance sustainability and efficacy in the railway industry. The emphasis of this study is placed on new methods for ground-borne noise and vibration mitigation including metamaterials, geosynthetics, and ground improvement. To benchmark all of these methods, identical baseline assumptions and the life-cycle analysis over 50 years have been adopted where relevant. This study also evaluates and highlights the impact of extreme climate conditions on the life-cycle cost of each method. It is found that the anti-resonator method is the most expensive methods compared with the others whilst the use of geogrids (for subgrade stiffening) is relatively reliable when used in combination with ground improvements. The adverse climate has also played a significant role in all of the methods. However, it was found that sustainable methods, which are less sensitive to extreme climate, are associated with the applications of geosynthetic materials such as geogrids, composites, etc.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Cost Evaluation of Noise Control Methods at Urban Railway Turnouts

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Tavares De Freitas ◽  
Sakdirat Kaewunruen
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Analysis ◽  
Cost Evaluation ◽  
Railway Track ◽  
Rolling Stock ◽  
Noise And Vibration ◽  
Impact Noise ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Mitigation Methods ◽  
The Impact

The railway industry focus in the past years was to research, find and develop methods to mitigate noise and vibration resulted from wheel/rail contact along track infrastructure. This resulted in a wide range of abatement measures that are available for the professionals of the industry today. However, although there are many options in the market, their practical implementations depend upon general constraints that affect most technological application in the engineering world. The progression of these technologies have facilitated the selection of more adequate methods for each best case scenario, but further studies are ought to be made to proper assess if each one is fit for their purpose. Every method implementation must be analyzed through budget and timeframe limitations, which includes building, maintenance and inspection costs and time allocation, while also aiming to meet different benefits, such as environmental impact control and wear of the whole infrastructure. There are several situations and facilities in a railway project design that need noise and vibration mitigation methods and each design allocates different priorities for each one of them. Traditionally the disturbance caused by railways to the community are generated by wheel/rail contact sound radiation that expresses in different ways, depending on the movement of the rolling stock and track alignment, such as rolling noise, impact noise and curve noise. More specifically, in special trackworks such as turnouts, the main area of this study, there are two noises types that must be evaluated: impact noise and screeching noise. With respect to the second, it is similar to curve squeals and, being such, its mitigation methods are to be assigned as if it was to abate curve squeal in turnouts and crossings. The impact noise on the other hand, emerges from the sound made by the rolling stock moving through joints and discontinuities (i.e. gaps) that composes these special components of a railway track. A life cycle analysis is therefore substantial for this reality and in this case will be applied to Squeal and Impact Noise on Special Trackwork. The evaluation is based on a valid literature review and the total costs were assumed by industry reports to maintain coherency. The period for a life cycle analysis is usually of 50 years, hence it was the value assumed. As for the general parameters, an area with high density of people was considered to estimate the values for a community with very strict limits for noise and vibration.

scholarly journals Sustainable Ventilation Strategies for a Medium-Sized Space with Regional Effect

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4651
Author(s):  
Ming-Lun Alan Fong
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Co2 Emission ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Regional Climate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Regional Effect ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Ventilation Strategies ◽  
Set Up

The analysis of ventilation strategies is fundamentally affected by regional climate conditions and local cost databases, in terms of energy consumption, CO2 emission and cost-effective analysis. A systematic approach is covered in this paper to estimate a local economic and environmental impact on a medium-sized space located in two regions during supply-and-installation and operation phases. Three ventilation strategies, including mixing ventilation (MV), displacement ventilation (DV) and stratum ventilation (SV) were applied to medium-sized air-conditioned space with this approach. The trend of the results for three ventilation systems in the life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) analysis is SV < DV < MV. The result of CO2 emission and regional LCC shows that SV is the lowest one in both regional studies. In comparison with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during 20 Service years, the case analysis demonstrates that the percentage differences in LCC analysis of MV, DV & SV in Guangdong are less than 20.5%, 19.4% and 18.82% respectively. Their CO2 emission of MV, DV and SV in Guangdong are more than HKSAR in 10.69%, 11.22% and 12.05%, respectively. The present study could provide information about regional effects in the LCA and LCC analysis of three ventilation strategies emissions, and thereby help set up models for decision-making on high efficiency and cost-effective ventilation strategy plans.

scholarly journals The Impact Assessment of Campus Buildings Based on a Life Cycle Assessment–Life Cycle Cost Integrated Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuyuan Xue ◽  
Hongbo Liu ◽  
Qinxiao Zhang ◽  
Jingxin Wang ◽  
Jilin Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Integrated Model ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
The Impact

The development of higher education has led to an increasing demand for campus buildings. To promote the sustainable development of campus buildings, this paper combines social willingness-to-pay (WTP) with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based on the characteristics of Chinese campus buildings to establish a life cycle assessment–life cycle cost (LCA–LCC) integrated model. Based on this model, this paper analyses the teaching building at a university in North China. The results show that the environmental impacts and economic costs are largest in the operation phase of the life cycle, mainly because of the use of electric energy. The environmental impacts and economic costs during the construction phase mainly come from the building material production process (BMPP); in this process, steel is the main source. Throughout the life cycle, abiotic depletion-fossil fuel potential (ADP fossil) and global warming potential (GWP) are the most prominent indexes. Further analysis shows that these two indexes should be the emphases of similar building assessments in the near future. Finally, this study offers suggestions for the proposed buildings and existing buildings based on the prominent problems found in the case study, with the aim to provide reference for the design, construction, and operation management of similar buildings.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Performance of Various Energy Sources Used in the Czech Republic

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 5833
Author(s):  
Markéta Šerešová ◽  
Jiří Štefanica ◽  
Monika Vitvarová ◽  
Kristina Zakuciová ◽  
Petr Wolf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Resource Use ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Black Coal ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The Impact

As both the human population and living standards grow, so does the worldwide electricity demand. However, the power sector is also one of the biggest environmental polluters. Therefore, options are currently being sought aimed at reducing environmental impacts, one of the potential tools for which concerns the use of life cycle assessment. This study, therefore, focuses on the most commonly used nonrenewable (black coal, lignite, natural gas and nuclear) and renewable sources (wind, hydro and photovoltaic) in the Czech Republic in terms of their construction, operation, and decommissioning periods. Environmental impacts are assessed via the use of selected impact categories by way of product environmental footprint methodology. The results highlight the potential environmental impacts associated with electricity generation for each of the primary energy sources. Black coal and lignite power plants were found to contribute most to the global warming, resource use, energy carriers and respiratory inorganics categories. On the other hand, the impact on water depletion and resource use, mineral and metals categories were found to be most significantly affected by the production of electricity from photovoltaic power plants. Finally, it is proposed that the results be employed to design scenarios for the future energy mix.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Costs Analysis of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Under Future Climate

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (19) ◽  
pp. 5414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaning Qiao ◽  
Eshan Dave ◽  
Tony Parry ◽  
Omar Valle ◽  
Lingyun Mi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Agency Costs ◽  
Asphalt Pavement ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement ◽  
Reclaimed Asphalt

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has received wide application in asphalt pavement construction and maintenance and it has shown cost-effectiveness over virgin hot mix asphalt (HMA). HMA with a high content of reclaimed asphalt (RA) (e.g., 40%) is sometimes used in practice, however, it may have significant adverse effects on the life cycle performance and related costs. In particular, challenges may arise as the life cycle performance of RAP is also affected by local climatic conditions. Thus, it is important to investigate whether it is still economic to use RAP under future local climate, with consideration of life cycle performance. A case study was conducted for various road structures on Interstate 95 (I-95) in New Hampshire (NH), USA for the investigation. The case study utilized dynamic modulus testing results for local virgin HMA and HMA with 40% RA (as major material alternatives) to predict life cycle performance of the selected pavement structures, considering downscaled future climates. Then, a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was considered to estimate and compare the life cycle cash flow of the investigated road structures. Responsive maintenance (overlay) and effectiveness were also considered in this study. It was found that using 40% RA in HMA can reduce agency costs by up to approximately 18% under the 2020–2040 predicted climate and NH should consider this practice under predicted future climate to reduce agency costs.

Sustainable construction

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Waseem Khan ◽  
Yousaf Ali
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Rice Husk ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Partial Replacement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Concrete Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The change in climate and depletion of natural resources because of the harmful emissions from different materials becomes a main issue for the globe. Some of the developed and developing countries have focused on this issue and performed research to provide a solution. The purpose of this study is to identify the best types of concrete based on its impact on the environment and economy. Design/methodology/approach The life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of six concrete mixtures that include construction and demolition wastes (CDW), marble sludge, rice husk and bagasse ash as a partial replacement of cement, are performed. These types of concrete are compared with each other and with ordinary concrete to select the best possible concrete type for a developing country, like Pakistan. Findings The results show that, although for an agricultural country like Pakistan, the agriculture wastes such as rice husk and bagasse ash are preferable to be used, if the emissions of CO2 and CO from rice husk and NOx and SO2 from bagasse ash are properly controlled. However, based on the results, it is recommended to use the CDW in concrete because of the small amount of air emissions and affordable prices. Originality/value Through this study, a path has been provided to construction companies and relative government organizations of Pakistan, which leads to sustainable practices in the construction industry. Moreover, the base is provided for future researchers who want to work in this area, as for Pakistan, there is no database available that helps to identify the impact of different concrete on the environment.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Assessment dan Life Cycle Cost untuk Serat Kenaf

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-224
Author(s):  
Desrina Yusi Irawati ◽  
Melati Kurniawati
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Impact Category ◽  
Kenaf Fiber ◽  
A Value ◽  
Treatment Stage ◽  
The Impact

Kenaf fiber from the kenaf plant is the excellent raw material for industry because of the various diversified products it produces. To develop sustainable kenaf fiber, information is needed on the strengths and weaknesses of kenaf cultivation systems with respect to productivity and environmental impact. Therefore, a comprehensive environmental and economic impact assessment was conducted from cultivating kenaf to kenaf fiber. The environmental impact assessment uses the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method and economic calculations from the life cycle of kenaf to kenaf fiber to collectors use the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) method. The calculation of environmental impacts is in accordance with the stages of ISO 14040, using a single score assessment. The LCA results show that the treatment stage is the highest contributor of the three groups of impact categories. The highest to the lowest in the impact category group that was influenced by the treatment stage were resources with a value of 21.4 mPt, human health with a value of 8.76 mPt, and ecosystem quality with a value of 1.91 mPt. The cost identified through the LCC is Rp. 6,088,468,333, NVP and B/Cnet are positive. The results of the sensitivity analysis if there is a reduction in production> 6%, the business is still profitable and can be run.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE TECHNIQUE IN REDUCING COSTS AND ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, A CASE STUDY IN THE RUSTAN STEEL STRUCTURE PRODUCTION COMPANY IN ERBIL

2021 ◽  
Vol 03 (07) ◽  
pp. 314-328
Author(s):  
Ghazi Abdulazeez SULAIMAN BAG ◽  
Rafiq Faraj MAHMOOD
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Product Life Cycle ◽  
Steel Structures ◽  
Product Life ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

This research was - case study in Rstin company for the steel structures in Erbil- addressed the cost technique of product life cycle, as discussed the kinds, relevance and the stages of the life cycle of the product, also it referred to the corporate governance of discussing its inception the concept and importance of the principles, objectives, and mechanisms was addressed to the technical aspects of the overlap between the cost of the product life cycle corporate governance and show the appropriate techniques used in each stage of the life cycle of the product and how it achieved by a reduction of costs. The result of this study indicates that the integration between the product life cycle cost and corporate governance works on reduce costs through the various stages of product life cycle. It also concluded that this integration increases the company ability to compete in market which leads to rise in its market share and eventually lead to maximize the profit which has been achieved through the optimal use of a company available resources. It also found that the techniques of life cycle cost of the product cannot be applied without support of the company directors, throughout the technical requirements of the application. Corporate governance ensures directors of the company to utilize firm resources which makes the company to achieve several stakeholders' objectives.

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